Best Overall
Dash Stand Mixer
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For fine baking, you need to select the best equipment to make the perfect dough. The last decade has introduced us to many better-functioning baking appliances that are sure to be a treat for people who love baking. So for your benefit, we've tested the best stand mixers on the market to come up with this curated list of highly recommended products. Taking into account your baking habits, counter space, and budget, this buying guide will help you determine the best stand mixer for you. The Dash Stand Mixer is our top recommendation on this list, but all of these stand mixers will improve the way you bake.
Stand Mixers: A Buyer’s Guide
Stand mixers are now available in different varieties with fascinating colors and look. Every model will at least include a standing machine, a mixing bowl, and a tilt head for holding the device. Don’t just go for the fancy stuff! Check the model, capacity, functions, and speed to ensure that you’re buying the best stand mixer you can. To help you out, we've prepared this detailed buying guide to assist you in purchasing the perfect stand mixer.
What to Consider When Buying a Stand Mixer
Cooking needs
You need to have a clear idea of what you’ll use your standing mixer for before you think of purchasing one. What kind of recipes do you want to make and what quantity will determine the features you will need in your stand mixer? If you have to make big batches of bread, cookies, or pastries, then you should buy a stand mixer that will allow you to knead large sizes of dough at a time. Stand mixers are not simple mixers that can help you make just dough for your cookies or pastries. Instead, a stand mixer that comes with the feature of multiple optional attachments can be used to make pasta, meatballs, butter, or ravioli. Stand mixers can be of huge help to making complex recipes that you previously might have avoided making. Choose the size according to your usage and buy the attachments that are most useful to your recipes.
Budget range
Stand mixers are a bit more expensive than hand mixers. A reasonable stand mixer will cost you more than $100 at least. Some big-sized, large-scale stand mixers are used for commercial purposes and may come in the price range of more than $1000. These should only be purchased if you have to make large batches of cookies or pastries or if you own a bakery. If your use is limited to a small scale, then buy stand mixers that are within the $100 price range. This price will give you a stand mixer with its attachments that typically include a beater, whisk, and dough hooks.
Weight
You should not look for a very lightweight stand mixer because it has to hold itself to the shelf or your kitchen counter. You need a stand mixer that is sturdy enough to hold itself when it kneads a thick dough. Otherwise, it will just bounce around and will not be able to perform well. If you keep your stand mixer on top of the counter, you can opt for a heavy stand mixer. However, weight can cause concern when you have to take it out of the cabinet to use it. In such a case, buy a stand mixer with a lifting handle attached for easy transportation.
Speed
Depending on your mixing requirement, your stand mixer should enable you to set different speeds for whipping, mixing, kneading, or stirring. For example, you might need a slow start for some dough-kneading processes, and while you add ingredients, you can speed up the mixing process. Different types of foods and ingredients need different speed settings to give you uniform results. Stand mixer models are available at different speeds, ranging from 3 to 12. Stand mixers with three-range speed settings also have a pulse function for controlled processing. Stand mixers with very fast speed ranges can be used for making meringue. Bakers aware of their baking techniques can work well with a stand mixer ranging to 3-speed levels. However, we recommend that you buy a stand mixer with multiple speed settings so that you can achieve better precision in your mixing. It might be more expensive, but it will pay off eventually.
Attachments for processing
Your stand mixer is like a little helper that can do various jobs for you. For example, models with options for additional attachments can help you make pasta, mince a slice of meat, make ice cream, or shred your cheese or vegetables. Usually, a stand mixer will come with three attachments.
- Wire whip: Sometimes referred to as a balloon whisk, a wire whip can whip cream and can make meringue or frosting.
- Dough hook: This spiral-shaped attachment is used for kneading and baking dough.
- Flat beater: This attachment is most commonly used for making cookie dough or cake batter.
Size
When you have to choose the size of a stand mixer, consider two factors; the quantity of food you want to process in a single time and the space it will occupy in your kitchen. You will most certainly need a large-sized mixing container, more than five quarts if you have to make five dozen cookies. As a general rule, the price will go up when you choose a bigger size. However, it's worth investing in and more convenient when you are baking for a large number of people. Small-sized or medium-sized models are enough when you are whipping up a small batch.
Top Picks
- Best Overall: Dash Stand Mixer
- Highest Capacity: Aucma Stand Mixer
- Most Versatile: Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
- Budget Friendly: Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer
- Most Speeds: Cuisinart Sm-50bc 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer
Reviews
Highest Capacity
Aucma Stand Mixer
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Most Versatile
Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
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Budget Friendly
Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer
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Most Speeds
Cuisinart Sm-50bc 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer
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FAQs
How do I choose the best stand mixer?
For buying the best stand mixer within your budget range, choose the stand mixer that is the most powerful and has options for additional attachments. The powerful motor with multiple speed options can help you with a wide range of cuisines.
What can I make with a stand mixer?
Whether it's a simple mixing of ingredients or making a uniform dough, a stand mixer can help you with various recipes, especially for baking. It can make all kinds of dough, whip cream, and make meringue. In addition, you can make pasta, mince a lump of meat, or any kind of frosting with additional attachments.
Which size of stand mixer should I buy?
We recommend that you buy a stand mixer of at least 5 quarts. If you can afford a bigger size, it is better that you buy a stand mixer with a bowl size of 6 quarts. This size will fit ingredients for most recipes.